UNDER-fire Veolia bus company have publicly assured Assembly Member Christine Chapman they will deal with passenger complaints and improve services.

Ms Chapman voiced major concerns following reports that passengers had suffered as a result of what she described as “appalling bus services”.

She held a meeting with Veolia chiefs following and later said: “I was appalled at some of the horror stories which included buses constantly breaking down, passengers locked on a bus while waiting for a driver handover and the unresponsive attitude of bus service providers.”

Following the meeting Ms Chapman said that she was satisfied that the bus company had taken all the complaints on board and assurance were given that there would be an improvement in services.

She said: “It was a constructive meeting and I am happy about the assurances although I will be closely monitoring the situation.”

A Veolia spokesman told the Leader the meeting had been “constructive” but declined to elaborate.